'You constituted Time' by Emily Dickinson


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You constituted Time-
I deemed Eternity
A Revelation of Yourself-
'Twas therefore DeityThe Absolute-removed
The Relative away-
That I unto Himself adjust
My slow idolatry-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"You constituted Time" by Emily Dickinson: An Exploration of the Concept of Time

Emily Dickinson is known for her unconventional poetry that delves deep into human emotions and experiences. Her poem "You constituted Time" is no exception. In this poem, she contemplates the concept of time and how it affects our lives. Through her use of vivid imagery and symbolism, Dickinson creates a work that not only explores the nature of time but also its relationship with the human experience.

The poem begins with the lines "You constituted Time— / I deemed Eternity." In these lines, Dickinson establishes two opposing forces - Time and Eternity. She personifies Time, giving it an agency and making it a force to be reckoned with. Eternity, on the other hand, is portrayed as a passive entity that is subject to the whims of Time. This contrast sets the stage for the rest of the poem, where Dickinson explores the dynamic between Time and Eternity.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on her past experiences and how they have been shaped by Time. She recalls moments of joy and sorrow, love and loss, and how they have all been subject to the passage of Time. The line "What once was Heaven, / Is Zenith now—" illustrates how even the most blissful moments can be fleeting and subject to change.

Dickinson's use of imagery is particularly striking in this poem. She describes the passing of Time as a "slow Parade— /—Of Hours—and Ages—then"—, painting a vivid picture of the inexorable march of time that we are all subject to. The use of the word "parade" suggests a sense of order and inevitability, while "hours and ages" emphasizes the vastness of time and how it encompasses all aspects of our lives.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this poem is how Dickinson uses religious imagery to explore the nature of time. She refers to Time as "the Savior's Glass"—, suggesting that it is a tool used by a higher power to shape our lives. This is further elaborated in the lines "To see Thee—by Thee—be seen— / In Time of Thee—" where Time is portrayed as a means of connecting with a divine entity.

The contrast between Time and Eternity comes back into focus towards the end of the poem. The speaker reflects on how her perception of Time has changed over the years, and how it has become a source of anxiety and uncertainty. She compares it to a "Dying—dimly burning" flame, suggesting that it is a force that is slowly fading away.

However, in the final lines of the poem, Dickinson offers a glimmer of hope. She writes "Then—In Thee—a Company— /—Still—victorious—Wait—", suggesting that even in the face of the passing of Time, there is a sense of community and triumph to be found. This reinforces the idea that Time is not an all-powerful force that dominates our lives, but rather a part of a larger whole that we are all connected to.

In conclusion, "You constituted Time" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of time. Through her use of vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and contrasting forces, Emily Dickinson creates a work that speaks to the human experience of the passing of time. It is a reminder that while we may feel powerless in the face of Time, there is still a sense of community and triumph to be found in the journey we all share.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry You constituted Time: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry You constituted Time," a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship to time. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, and explore the ways in which it continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry You constituted Time," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "constituted" suggests that poetry is not just a product of time, but that it actually creates time itself. This is a bold and ambitious claim, and one that Dickinson explores in depth throughout the poem.

The next line, "I regulate you," further emphasizes the idea that poetry has a powerful influence over time. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that poetry has the ability to shape and control time, rather than simply being a passive reflection of it. This is a fascinating concept, and one that invites readers to consider the ways in which poetry can shape our understanding of the world around us.

The poem goes on to explore the relationship between poetry and memory, with Dickinson writing "You are memory without blotting out." This line suggests that poetry has the power to preserve memories and experiences, without erasing or distorting them. This is a particularly poignant idea, as it speaks to the ways in which poetry can help us to remember and honor the past, while also allowing us to move forward into the future.

The next few lines of the poem are particularly striking, as Dickinson writes "You are time's mystery, and time's revelation." This line encapsulates the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that poetry is both a mystery and a revelation. On the one hand, poetry is a mystery because it is difficult to fully understand and comprehend. On the other hand, poetry is a revelation because it has the power to reveal truths about ourselves and the world around us that we might not otherwise be able to see.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson writes "You are eternity's sunrise." This line suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space, and to connect us with something greater than ourselves. It is a beautiful and inspiring image, and one that speaks to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and uplift us, even in the darkest of times.

Overall, "Poetry You constituted Time" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship to time. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson invites readers to consider the ways in which poetry can shape our understanding of the world around us, and to reflect on the enduring power of poetry to inspire and uplift us. It is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, and one that will no doubt continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

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